Expert: Mohamed Salah is still 'unhappy' at Liverpool amid January exit prediction

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(Credit: Imago) Fri 19 December 2025 6:30, UK Mohamed Salah may have played his last game for Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window after he has jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations.That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old is still unhappy despite returning to the first-team squad.Salah received a warm reception for Liverpool fans after coming on as Slot’s side beat Brighton 2-0 last time out, in a show of support for their legendary forward.However, there is a growing feeling that the issues leading to his discontent have not been resolved, despite being put aside for the good of the team.Despite Salah‘s unhappiness, though, a January deal would be hard for clubs to pull off due to his AFCON representation and continued importance to Liverpool.Credit: ImagoWhy Mohamed Salah is unlikely to leave Liverpool in JanuaryFootball Insider revealed on 7 December that Salah’s exit is off the cards in January despite the fall-out, but could be revisited in the summer.Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted it is unlikely that the winger will leave Anfield in January as things stand. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES “I was appalled when he came out and said what he said,” he told Football Insider.“Obviously Liverpool are going through a tough time, but that’s when you need your leaders and big players to step up on the pitch, not throw their toys out of the pram.“It seems now it has been resolved, at least for now, because he came back into the team and the crowd gave him a big welcome and all of that.“The issue I have is, if you give Salah the chance to prove himself and perform on the pitch, he’s going to do it because that’s the type of player he is.“He’s got the quality where in any individual game, he can do something that makes you think yeah, that’s why he’s in the side.“And that’s what made leaving him out such a bold decision for Slot, but the manager can’t allow himself to be undermined by the players, no matter who they are.“I still don’t think Salah is completely happy, even if he’s agreed to crack on for the team’s sake.“It’s been resolved for now as I said, but I’m sure there will be more grumblings between now and the end of the season, and he could then decide to move on.“I think it would be a surprise to see him leave in January because he’s got AFCON and he’s still got a role to play for Liverpool, but maybe at the end of the season.”What Salah must do to get back in at LiverpoolBrown told Football Insider on 9 December that Salah has burnt his bridges at Liverpool and would face a tough battle to regain the manager’s trust.Salah did not travel with the Liverpool squad ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan, but his return against Brighton showed there is a way back.Should he continue to work hard for the team and prove his value on the pitch, he will remain a key part of the squad despite the questions about his future.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 14 December that Salah must work to earn his Liverpool place back and prove that he is willing to put in the effort for the side.The situation was compared to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who once came under pressure over his position at Man United, but worked his way back into the XI.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.